Well I'm back again! Thanks to anyone who reviewed but I have something to explain. (laughs nervously) Yeah I know, it's bad that Kayori's off running around Tokyo while Kagome and Inuyasha are at the mercy of Naraku, and well, if that offended anyone in the last chapter than I'm sorry. I was simply trying to further the relationship of Kayori and Ryku and I might have gotten carried away. But they are still gonna spend the day together but that wasn't what the whole chapters gonna be about. In fact it's mostly about what Kayori has to deal with in the modern era and well you'll see…

Just to let everyone know that I did leave some blank spots in the planning and if anyone gets confused please tell, so I can perhaps fix some things.

And of course, as always I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter Twenty-Five:Modern Weakness

Kayori counted the minutes until the school bell rang releasing them. She'd always had trouble with school, and everyone in it. It wasn't that she was a bad student; in fact she received pretty high marks. It was the fact that she was so much different from the other girls, with her hair and eyes, also her parents hardly made an appearance and she too had countless absences that were always being questioned.

"Hey Higarashi! You've been gone for the past two weeks! What'cha been up to?" said a girl named Maka whom had been her friend in grade school but now was the source of Kayori's hate of school.

"Yeah we heard there's a boy at your house!" another yelled, as they got ready for gym class. Kayori ignored them and continued with her stretches. But as hard as she tried to block them out they still got through.

"Wonder why her hairs like that," one girl whispered.

"And her eyes, it's so creepy," another whispered.

Kayori already had her back to them and prayed that they couldn't see her hurt. She tried to take her mind off of it by thinking about Koji and the others. The thought of her brother cheered her up a little, but this brought with it the thought of her parents. She felt hot tears sting her cheek. She hurriedly wiped them away hoping no saw and stood up brushing herself off. The gym teacher's whistle rang through the field.

"Soccer today girls, Ayuno, first captain, Higarashi, second!" Maka Ayuno stepped forward and made her first selection, her "best friend"… no surprise.

Kayori was surprised to be captain, it didn't happen very often. She picked the small girl that was usually picked last.

They started the game with equal teams. Even if they gave her a hard time about her appearance they knew better than to mock her on the field. Kayori had been playing sports and games with boys that had been twice her size since she was little; she was fast and agile, making her good competition. Of course this often lead to couches begging her to play on the team, which she had little or no time to.

The whistle rang again forty-five minutes later telling the girls it's time call it quits.

In the locker room Kayori pulled her regular school uniform on, all the time listening to the usual gossip going on around her.

"I heard that her mom's not really sick, that she just took off and left her with her dad who's a raging drunk," Kayori stood still for a second, almost afraid to hear more.

"Who told you that?"

"My mom, she went to school with Higarashi's mom, she said the girl was always absent for obscure reasons, and that she was supposedly hanging out with this guy that no body saw and that he apparently was really bad to her. And when she was nineteen ran off for a long time and came back with a baby!"

The girl stood in awe for a few seconds. "Hard life," one added not bothering to keep her voice down.

Kayori clutched her bag so hard that her knuckles began to turn white. She was fighting back the urge to turn around and tell everyone that her parents loved each other and that they were perfectly happy together. To tell them that her dad didn't drink and that her mom didn't leave, that she had a brother, who was just like her and didn't mind the fact that he looked different. That she wouldn't be here if she had a choice and that she hated everything about this place. She wanted to burst out screaming out the truth, that she'd spent the majority of her childhood five hundred years into the past and that she wasn't 100 human like them, that she was in fact the granddaughter of a powerful tai-youkai, and her father was his hanyou son.

She slammed her gym locker as hard as she could, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. And before anyone could say anything she turned and faced the nearby group of girls, her face dark and her eyes flashing red. She wanted to scream cry, but she held back, simply fixing them with a harsh glare. Then turned and left the room, instead of going to her next class she jumped the fence and ran home.

Higarashi shrine came into view and seemed almost like a safe haven, she quietly decided that she wasn't going back to school as long as she was here with Ryku. He was almost completely recovered so they would be heading back soon and she could resume her search for Naraku and for revenge.

She burst through the front door and slammed it shut behind her. She let her self lean against the door and catch her breath. She heard movement up stairs and her grandmother appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Kayori, you're home early is something wrong," Kayori didn't answer; she rushed past her and shut herself in her room.

She dropped to her knees and looked under the bed. She reached underneath groping the floor for what she was looking for, but felt nothing. She suddenly realized with horror that her box of photos had been left at her parents home in the feudal era. Crawling onto her bed she felt hot tears roll down her cheeks. She grabbed her pillow and pressed it to her face and screamed as loud as she could until her throat began to sting.

She slid to the side and felt the soft sheets press against her slim frame. Tears flowing freely now she made no move to stop them, she cried until she felt sleep tug at her conscious.

Ryku could hear her muffled screams, and sighed sadly to himself. He carefully got out of bed trying hard not to do more damage to himself. His whole body felt stiff, but he was glad that he was healing up this fast. Ms. Higarashi had called a house doctor, and told him that he was her nephew from Okinawa and injured himself falling from the roof while doing some handy-man work for her. Bewildered, the doctor agreed to help him.

He pulled a t-shirt over his head and stepped out into the hall. Kayori's room was down the hall from his.

As he reached the door, he lightly tapped his knuckles on the wood. No answer, he sighed again, "Kayori," he said quietly as the door creaked open.

She was lying on her bed apparently asleep, her cheek streaked with dried tears. Ryku approached slowly, gently sitting next to her. He stroked her hair away from her face, his heart ached slightly at the sad expression on her face.

His hand moved to her shoulder, he gently rubbed her shoulder, "'Yori, wake up," he said quietly. Her eyelids flickered open; her amber eyes stared at him for a second before she sat up, wiping her face with her sleeve.

"Ryku," she said softly looking away, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, but I was more concerned about you," he said really knowing what he should do to comfort her.

She stood up quickly looking away, "I'm fine, it's just been a tough day that's all, I'm perfectly fine. You shouldn't be worried about," she lied, taking all her will power not to start crying again.

Ryku stood up as well, looking at her face, his blue eyes showing genuine concern. "You can tell me what's wrong, I can help you. I'm right here for you," he said quietly.

She bit her lips forcing back tears with all her might, "No every things fine, I'm okay," she said quickly. No I'm not! She thought furiously. Tell him! He's my friend; he said he'll be there for you! She continued to bite her lip afraid to speak for she was afraid that her voice would fail her.

Ryku could see tears forming in her eyes, he wanted to take her hand or gently hug her but he didn't know how she would react to it, he didn't want her to think he was taking advantage of her. He stood quietly for a second trying to find the right words.

"You're one of the few friends I have," he heard an unfamiliar voice choked. He looked up suddenly in shock. Kayori had her hand other her mouth, tears dangling dangerously on her eyelashes.

"Kayori?" he said in slight shock.

"You the only one here that'll understand," she choked, the tears now flowing down her cheeks. She suddenly found herself perfectly encased in his arms. She didn't struggle, she didn't want to, it felt so right, to have his strong arms around her, and perfectly her head rested on his chest.

"You can always trust me Kayori," he said softly.

Right there she recalled the days events, when she was finished he felt his arms around her tightened. "It's okay, pretty soon everything well be back to normal, you can come back and stay with me in the feudal era, and you won't have to worry about any of this," he said ignoring his own sadness for his own parents mounting in his chest.

Kayori slowly pulled back so she could look him in the eyes. His handsome eye shown back clearly pained by something.

"When do you think we should be heading back?"

"I'll be ready by tomorrow if you're ready," Ryku answered. They were still holding one another and neither made a move to change that.

"Well if we leave tomorrow than we better get some supplies, would you like to come with me?" she said wiping her tears away.

He nodded with a small smile. "Good, than I better change and you'd better do the same."

Ryku dressed in a pair of jeans and white shirt that had belonged to Kayori's uncle Souta. Then pulled on a black jacket that had also been part of the loan and pair of old sneakers that were slightly too big for him. He stepped out into the hall still feeling slightly stiff and went down the stairs to see Kayori waiting for him wearing a pair of jeans and a red shirt with part of her stomach showing and a white jacket. Her silver hair was combed back into a ponytail. Ryku thought she was extremely attractive and began to wonder if the only reason she was judged for her looks was out of pure jealousy. He hated how she didn't like her appearance; he believed that she had an unusual and exotic beauty, but he wasn't quite sure if he'd tell her that just yet.

"You sure you're up to this?" she asked quietly.

"Of course, besides I want to see this Tokyo," he said with a smile, which she returned. Kayori got money from Ms. Higarashi who added a few groceries to her list. Then they set out in silence.

Even after dark the city was lit up and the stores were still open. They walked into the indoor market and got the things that her grandmother need, and then got some things to bring the others. Ryku asked hundreds of questions but Kayori didn't mind. After picking up some food and things they headed to the general. Kayori was determined to pick up a good first aid kit.

As they stood in line at the check out Kayori noticed her classmate buying makeup uncomfortably close to her and Ryku. She put her hand in front of her face praying that they wouldn't notice her.

"Is something wrong, 'Yori?" Ryku asked slightly puzzled. Kayori winced as this perked their attention.

She heard their whispers almost immediately, "Oh my god who's that?"

"He's really cute! Do you think those two are…?"

"No if that was the case they be connected at the hip, they might be related or something."

"Do you think if we pretend to be Higarashi's friend we could maybe get him interested?"

Kayori felt her cheeks turn red, she noticed that Ryku's face had turned hard. He looked back behind them, then turned back her.

"Are they—?" he asked, she nodded. She could see Maka and her friends peering over at them.

"Do you think he noticed us?"

"Yeah, I think so but he probably couldn't hear us."

Of course he heard you, you fools! She thought rolling her eyes.

"Why would he possibly want to be anywhere near her? She so odd!"

Kayori dared to steal a peek at Ryku, he noticed, and he smiled softly and put his arm across her shoulders.

Silence from her classmates.

It was their turn to pay for their merchandise. When they finished they left, Kayori noticed Maka and her friend put their things back on the shelves and followed them out onto the street.

Ryku didn't move his arm, nor did Kayori want him to for while they acted like boyfriend and girlfriend, Maka and her cronies wouldn't make a scene… so she hoped.

After they walked Ryku made conversation, they talked and laughed, and Kayori was beginning to forget that Maka and the others were following them. As they passed WacDonalds Kayori stopped, "You wanna get something to eat?" she said with a smile.

"Thought you never ask," Ryku answered, and they went inside. In the corner of her eye she saw Maka enter as well.

"What is a chicken nugget?" Ryku whispered in her ear. She laughed; she'd forgotten how little he knew about modern day.

She stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear, "They're fried bits of breaded chicken breast," she answered.

"Than what a cheeseburger?" he whispered, glad to see that she was smiling gleefully, but that didn't help his dilemma.

"How 'bout you let me order for us, 'kay?" he nodded and she told the lady in the oddly colored cap at the register what they wanted.

She heard Maka's whispers again, but she would have preferred not, "What a whore! Ordering for him!"

Kayori turned away knowing that Ryku had heard as well. She felt him move his arm off her shoulder.

As if on key, "Hey Higarashi! What's up?" Maka said with a false friendly voice that didn't fool anyone. Kayori turned around slowly to see Maka and her friends approaching them. "You're are eating here too? Cool we can share a table! And who's this?"

Kayori felt rage burning in her stomach, "This is Ryku," she quietly trying to keep her rage down.

"Hi!" Maka and her friends said in unison.

Ryku had once again became hard cruel. "Apologize!" he said.

Kayori was completely shocked by his sudden response.

Maka looked just as confused, "What?" she asked timidly.

"Don't be a fool! Apologize to Kayori for the you just called her when you think we can't hear!" Ryku said dangerously. Maka terribly looked taken aback.

"I… I… I don't…"

"Not only did you insult Kayori but you also insulted me," he said, his blue eyes blazing.

"Umm… Your order is ready," the woman behind the counter said timidly, interrupting the intense silence.

"Thank you," Kayori said taking the paper bag. "Come on, Ryku, we can go eat somewhere else," she said taking Ryku's arm and they walked out of the building. They walked in silence.

"Thanks," she said quietly.

"What she said was uncalled for, I know you're not like that," he said, somehow his arm found her waist. She smiled as they walked down the sidewalk.

"So just where do you wanna eat this?" she gestured to the paper bag of food.

"Anywhere that'll be a good place to sit down," he smiled.

"Than we can go to the park, not very many people will be there this late, and it's a pretty pleasant place," she said and they continued in that direction. They entered the park and noticed a group of younger kids playing with sparklers. They sat under the trees where they could see the full moon clearly through the leaves.

They ate and talked for almost an hour occasionally laughing and joking. Ryku had endless questions about what he was eating, and Kayori didn't have much problem answering most of them.

"I enjoyed most of this," Ryku said looking up the full moon.

"What do you mean?" Kayori asked following his gaze, she suddenly felt his hand envelope hers. Her cheeks slowly turned scarlet and she hoped that he couldn't it.

"It was nice to be able to spend time with you," he said, she looked over at him to see that he too was blushing.

She didn't know how long they sat like that, slowly she felt her eyelids drooping, and her head slowly found it's way to his shoulder.

Ryku smiled, he didn't want to have to wake her, but he knew he wouldn't be able to carry her and all the groceries back home, not that he knew just how to get back. He looked down at his lap where Kayori slender fingers were intertwined with his. He gently squeezed her hand and felt her stir slightly.

Her eyelids flickered open and she noticed that her head was in the crook of his neck. She sat up right, slightly embarrassed.

"I would have carried you home, but unfortunately I'm still kinda stiff and I don't really now the way back," Ryku said with his usual cocky smile.

Kayori laughed a little and stood up helping him to his feet as well. She noticed that they hadn't let go of each other's hands. She blushed slightly, as she gathered the bags with her free hand.

"Don't worry I won't let you get lost in this big city," she said with a smile.

He laughed and head towards the entrance of the now empty park.

As the reached the front of the entrance of the Higarashi shrine, Kayori looked up at him again, "Remember that charm you put on Korou?" she said, "Is he still gonna have that on him when we get back?" she asked with mischievous smile.

Ryku blushed, "Only if he wasn't enough to go to a village priest or monk and have them take it off for him," he replied.

"Good 'cause I wanna get picture," she said with a smirk.

So what do you guys think? I little bit of romantic fluff. I also wanted to make it apparent that Kayori feels weaker and more vulnerable in the modern era, like it's a psychological thing for her. Anyway I want your opinion! Please Review!